Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

I Found It—A Potent Vitamin C Supplement That Doesn't Give Me Stomach Aches

Hannah Frye
Author: Expert reviewer:
September 08, 2022
Hannah Frye
Beauty & Health Editor
By Hannah Frye
Beauty & Health Editor
Hannah Frye is the Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including beauty, women’s health, mental health, sustainability, social media trends, and more. She previously worked for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and plenty more.
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Expert review by
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN is a Registered Dietician Nutritionist with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Texas Christian University and a master’s in nutrition interventions, communication, and behavior change from Tufts University. She lives in Newport Beach, California, and enjoys connecting people to the food they eat and how it influences health and wellbeing.
September 08, 2022
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.

No matter how renowned the benefits of a certain vitamin or supplement may be, not every formula agrees with every person's body and lifestyle. For example, if you’re prone to an upset stomach after gulping down your daily dose, you’re certainly not alone. 

This experience is common for many different supplements—like multis and vitamin C. Here's one reason that may happen with the latter, as well as one A+ vitamin C , option for those with sensitive stomachs. 

Why some vitamin C supplements can cause stomach aches.

According to Alexander Michels, Ph.D., clinical research coordinator at Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute, stomach aches are one of the most common side effects of taking vitamin C supplements at higher strengths.

“This is usually because people are consuming the acidic form of vitamin C—ascorbic acid—and for some, their stomach can't handle the extra acid,” Michels once told mbg. To be clear, we are talking about doses upwards of 500 milligrams of vitamin C in one sitting, over five times the daily recommended dietary allowance for adults.

Of course, personal differences in physiology as well as stomach sensitivity and the setting in which the supplement are taken all play a role as well. But it's a pretty common short-term side effect of a large load of ascorbic acid, and it's largely dependent on the dose and form of vitamin C you're taking.

The supplement reviewers describe as gentle on the stomach. 

Knowing that some forms of vitamin C are better absorbed than others at high potency doses (again, 500 milligrams plus), we decided to use a vitamin C-lipid-bioflavonoid complex (as PureWay-C™) that optimizes gentleness and efficacy in our vitamin C potency+ supplement.* But don't just take our word for it—buyers have taken to the review section to rave about this exact experience.

One glowing review we love to share: “I've been taking 1 gram [1,000 milligrams] of vitamin C for years, but this mindbodygreen product has convinced me to switch brands," Jessica writes. "This supplement is the best of both worlds, vitamin C and citrus bioactives. Also, some high-dose vitamin C products make my tummy upset, but this one is totally gentle, probably because of the absorption technology mbg invested in. So gentle on my stomach.”*

In short: If you’ve experienced stomach aches with your vitamin C supplement, you may want to consider opting for a gentle, bioavailable form like the one in mbg's vitamin C potency+

The takeaway. 

If you frequently face an upset tummy post-vitamin C at those higher strength doses, it might be a sign it’s time to switch up your supplement routine. Stomach aches can occur with some vitamin C supplements, especially those with ascorbic acid at 500 milligram plus doses. Instead, so you don't miss out on the benefits of this essential nutrient, look for another formula with a more bioavailable and gentle, complexed form of vitamin C. Although, an uneasy stomach isn't the only short-term side effect of some vitamin C formulas; see here to learn more.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Food
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.